Fried Liver with Onions (Tender & Flavorful)

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main:

• 1 lb (450g) beef liver (or calf’s liver), sliced ½ inch thick

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 1 cup milk (for soaking)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Optional Gravy:

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Liver (Important!)

1. Rinse liver under cold water.

2. Place in a bowl and cover with milk.

3. Soak for 30–60 minutes in the refrigerator.

👉 This removes bitterness and makes the liver milder and more tender.

Drain and pat completely dry before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add sliced onions.

3. Cook slowly for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook until soft, golden, and caramelized.

Remove onions from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Season & Coat the Liver

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Lightly dredge each liver slice in the flour mixture.

3. Shake off excess flour.

Step 4: Fry the Liver (Do Not Overcook!)

1. Add remaining butter and oil to the skillet.

2. Heat over medium-high.

3. Place liver slices in the pan (don’t overcrowd).

4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side.

✔ Outside should be browned and slightly crispy.
✔ Inside should remain slightly pink and tender.

⚠ Overcooking makes liver tough and dry.

Step 5: Combine with Onions

1. Return caramelized onions to the pan.

2. Lower heat to medium-low.

3. Let simmer together for 3–5 minutes.

Optional: Make Quick Pan Gravy

1. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pan.

2. Simmer 2 minutes.

3. Stir in cornstarch slurry.

4. Cook until slightly thickened.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes

• Steamed rice

• Buttered green beans

• Fresh crusty bread

🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Liver

✔ Always soak in milk.
✔ Cook quickly over medium-high heat.
✔ Slice evenly for even cooking.
✔ Use calf’s liver for a milder flavor.
✔ Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.

💡 Flavor Variations

Southern Style

Add a dash of hot sauce and serve with gravy.

Garlic Butter Version

Add 2 cloves minced garlic in the last minute of cooking.

Spicy Version

Add chili flakes while frying.